How do you become a member of VBT?
Any dancer age 10 and up who loves to perform can become a member providing they have shown the following: a serious commitment to their dance training, attends technique class a minimum of 3 times per week, has attended our 5 week summer intensive program to secure solid technique. A student who has met these criteria and demonstrates technical readiness will be asked to join an appropriate rank of VBT upon faculty approval.

What are the benefits?
Membership to VBT and VYB serves as an overall introduction to professional dance training and performing. The company has performed at Contois Auditorium, Alumni Hall at Champlain College, Barre Opera House, Dibden Center for the Performing Arts at Johnson State College, and has also participated at the Weekend of Hope in Stowe, VT. Most recently we have performed and secured performances at Memorial Auditorium in Burlington. The benefits of membership include extra dance and performance instruction from faculty to perfect essential skills such as musicality and timing, many performing opportunities, priority casting in all productions, scholarship consideration, a company t-shirt, 15% discount at The Shop at VCB, and fundraising opportunities to raise money for tuition, rehearsal fees, dance supplies, etc.

Are there any special fees for company members?
Putting on a ballet production is a very expensive undertaking and VBT is committed to producing as professional a production as possible therefore we do require each VBT and VYB company dancer to support this effort with an annual membership fee. This membership fee will help to offset costs of rehearsal time, choreographic fees, lighting design and set up, stage contracts, musical rights, costumes, dry cleaning and storage. The fees will be $ 150.00 for VBT members, $ 125.00 for VYB Senior Company members and $ 75.00 for VYB Junior Company members.

Can families get involved too?
Yes! An experienced and highly qualified professional staff of teachers prepares the dancers for their roles. However, all the other aspects of production are handled by an all-volunteer staff. The people making your child's costumes, setting up the stage, preparing the program, arranging advertising, selling t-shirts and tickets, ushering at performances are all volunteers working out of love and dedication. New hands are always welcome and very much needed. Please check the bulletin board for sign up sheets.

Nutcracker Details

When will we start?
In 2005, VBT launched its own full production of the Nutcracker. This will provide a wonderful performance opportunity for the students of Vermont Ballet Theater School and the dancers of VBT.

What goes into producing The Nutcracker?
The Nutcracker is our first full length production. It is a large project and will require a great deal of funding. It will take many years to reach the goal of owning our own full sets and costumes. VBT will build upon its successes each year until we have achieved our aim as outlined below:

We will need to raise approximately $500,000 in funding. This will cover the cost of the 155 costumes ($100 to $900 a piece), 16 backdrops ($6,000 to $15, 000 each), the tree that grows ($25,000) and the many props and specially built furniture for the transformation scene. Realistically we understand that it will take years and much fundraising to obtain this kind of money. But we strongly believe this is an important and obtainable goal that will fill the need for a local holiday tradition and provide VBTS and VBT dancers an outlet for their talent and hard work.